Updated: Thursday, April 29, 2004
Homeschool Co-op Statements of Faith
When designing a statement of faith, it is important to first state why the co-op exists. Here is an example:
MISSION STATEMENT We seek to bring glory to God by teaching our children according to Biblical standards. We believe that the parents are primarily responsible for educating their children. This co-op will exist to encourage the parents, equip the parents, and teach/train the children according to the pattern laid down in the Scriptures. Therefore, we believe that teaching our children about Jesus Christ, and how they can be saved is of paramount importance. We also seek to make disciples of our children, teaching them how a Christian ought to live. We also desire to teach our children about God's creation through such avenues as history, science, literature, math, etc. We will strive for excellence in all areas with God's grace. |
When designing a statement of faith for your homeschool co-op, it is important to ask yourself what you are trying to accomplish by having a statement of faith. Many co-ops use a statement of faith as a tool to strengthen the group by having families of like minds and kindred hearts.
By nature a statement of faith will do two things:
1) Remind those that will be in the group that our faith in Jesus is central
to everything we do, especially teaching our children
2) Exclude families that do not share the faith we have
It is important to say here that we do not exclude families because they
are bad, or that we are better than them. We seek to exclude families that
do not share a common kindred heart because we believe that teaching our
children about Jesus is the most important thing a parent can do. We want
our children to be born-again so as to escape eternal punishment and instead
enjoy eternal pleasure and peace with the Savior beginning now. When families
that do not share this same desire join the group,
1) It becomes uncomfortable for that family as the rest of the families constantly
center every detail around our Lord Jesus
2) It distracts our attention since we will engage at least part of our time
at evangelism to the family. The co-op is a time to share fellowship while
TEACHING our children. Evangelism is important, but is not the primary objective
of the co-op
3) It is important that everyone in the group share the same vision and mission
for our children so that the group can be more effective in teaching our
children and encouraging the parents.
